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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
is now considered the treatment
of choice for autism and certain other delaying conditions.
 The treatment of choice for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is applied
behavior analysis (ABA). Based on your child's individual needs
and learning style, the teachers design a unique treatment program that uses the
principles and methods of ABA. These may include: discrete trial
instruction, verbal behavior strategies, natural environment teaching,
incidental teaching, direct instruction, social skills development,
behavior reduction strategies, and more. Using these methods,
treatment can improve communication, social, intellectual, and play
skills. Services can also help with daily living skills, such as
sleeping through the night and potty training.
Children must also learn to generalize these new skills, that is, to
perform them not just for their ABA teachers, but for anyone in all
appropriate situations. Each child's program is designed to
promote generalization by teaching skills in a range of settings and
uses a team of teachers, including children's first teachers, their
parents. Though the team members will do things as consistently as
possible, the differences they present help the children generalize what
they are learning.
If a child is found eligible for Early Intervention (EI), the family
works with the evaluators and the county to identify the appropriate
treatment services. Services must be authorized and arranged by
the county. If a child is found eligible for preschool services,
the family acts as a member of the school district's Committee on
Preschool Special Education (CPSE) to determine appropriate services.
Your school district can help you arrange these services.
Services for school-age children are at the district's request. |
